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The 3rd Annual K&N Spring Fling 20s a Rip-Roaring Success for Racers and Fans

31 mai 2012

18-year-old Denver Maltba earned the big check racing his high school graduation present, and he made the events inaugural winner, his uncle Junior Houston proud by keeping the trophy in the family.

Imagine setting out to throw a little get-together for friends and having it develop into a full-blown, rip-roaring rage, with everyone having so much fun they don't want it to end. 2012 K&N Spring Fling 20s promoters Peter Biondo and Kyle Seipel know exactly what that's all about, and now that the word is out, there's no telling how massive the 2013 must-attend event may become.

"We never expected this big of turnout. We had 459 cars this year on Saturday, where last year we had 315 on the same day," commented Seipel. "I think the single most important factor is putting bracket racers on the big stage. We have the event at a premier facility, we have four days of live audio/video broadcast (90k viewers in 4 days), a 30-minute nationally televised TV show dedicated to our event, live driver interviews from the quarterfinals on, a big trophy, winner's circle champion hats and a champion's jacket also included. The overall reaction to our event has been outstanding. With racers telling us it was the best race they have ever been to."

After four days of first-rate racing, with 37 different states and three different countries competing in just one fast bracket class, the K&N Spring Fling 20s presented by Sparco came to a close, but the echoes of exploding horsepower and frenzied fans echoes on. Not since the old Moroso 5-Day Bracket Championships or earlier versions of the Million Dollar Race have 450 cars assembled to run in one class at one single race. What Biondo and Seipel did at Bristol Dragway is to dial Bracket Racing up to eleven, by enhancing the way the event is experienced. During the four days of racing action at Bristol, fans were continuously streamed with over 40 hours of live video, live audio and live timing coverage of the event from start to finish.

"JEGS is very proud to present the newest and most enhanced live audio and video feed to bracket race fans across the world at the 3rd annual K&N Spring Fling event. Co-promoters Kyle Seipel and Pete Biondo have a proven reputation on the race track as fierce competitors and champions and with the successes of the Spring Fling their reputation as promoters has raised them to the top!" stated Jeg Coughlin, Jr. of JEGS. "This type of technology and audience appeal is why JEGS is excited to be a part of this cutting edge bracket race."

In addition to the posted purse in each round the best losing package was awarded products from a number of sponsors. Over $30,000 in product giveaways were added to the already hefty cash purse. However, what pushed this year's event totally over the top was the seemingly Hollywood scripted ending that saw the blazing light of stardom intensely focused on 18-year-old Denver Maltba. As a Thunder Valley's regular, Maltba collected Sunday's $20,000 victory by using a little home-track advantage and his graduation present.

Maltba graduated from high school on Friday night and was given a brand new dragster which he immediately put to good use. Maltba, who lives in Newland, North Carolina, drove his 2012 Racetech dragster to a crowd pleasing win over Jeff Strickland. In Sunday's final round, Strickland had a quicker .005 reaction time, but ended up on the losing end at the stripe. Maltba left the starting line with a .010 R.T. and raced through the line in 6.108 seconds (6.08 dial-in) at 162.33 mph. Strickland crossed the finish in 6.266 seconds (6.18 dial-in) at 149.51 mph in his runner-up effort. By winning the 2012 Spring Fling, Maltba keeps the trophy in the family. It was two years ago, at the inaugural event, when Maltba's uncle, Junior Houston won the JEGS Sunday race.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

2011 to 2014 Chevy Cruze 1.8L Gains Estimated 5.65 Horsepower with K&N Air Intake System

31 mai 2012

Dyno Chart for 69-4522TP air intake system

The Chevy Cruze is a unique entry in the compact sedan market. Its smaller engine is actually the high performance version and the most economic version is actually the larger engine. The LS version of the Chevy Cruze has the naturally aspirated 1.8 liter engine. This engine gets better gas mileage than the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that is installed in the rest of the line; however, that additional mileage comes at the cost of power. With the K&N 69-4522TS air intake system we can help Chevy Cruze owners with the 1.8 liter engine bridge the gap and bring out the best of the 1.8 liter engine.

K&N Air Intake System for 2011 to 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L

The K&N 69-4522TS air intake kit increases the horsepower and acceleration of your Chevy Cruze. This is accomplished by removing the restrictive stock intake tube and air filter and replacing them with optimized tubing, a protective heat shield and a high-flow air filter. With these parts the engine is allowed to breathe more easily, devoting less power to suction and more power to the drive wheels. When installed, the 69-4522TS resulted in an estimated gain of 5.65 horsepower and a 6.86 lb-ft of torque to the wheels of a 2011 Chevy Cruze with 1.8 liter engine. This additional power will be a welcome gain for the Cruze owner looking for some additional get up and go.

The 69-4522TS intake system is a simple bolt-on replacement for the factory intake and installation can be completed with basic hand tools in about 90 minutes. Also, the RU-5147 air filter on the intake is washable and reusable so it never needs to be replaced, and only needs to be cleaned once about every 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions.

With K&N in the automotive performance industry for over 40 years, you can be sure that the intake system you purchase is engineered and tested by a company that has an excellent record and a huge amount of experience in adding power and airflow to a vehicle while providing outstanding engine protection. K&N has such confidence in their product that they back this intake system with their industry-leading Million Mile Limited Warranty.

The 69-4522TS air intake system fits the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze with 1.8L engine and all of the following Vauxhall, Opel and Chevy models.

2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8L L4
2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8L L4
2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8L L4
2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.8L L4

Find K&N products for other vehicles using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

2008-2011 Yamaha FZ16 and Fazer Motorcycles Increase Performance with K&N Air Filter

31 mai 2012

Replacement Air Filter for 2008-2011 Yamaha FZ16s and Fazer 153s

In India, where small displacement motorcycles are the rule rather than the exception, the Yamaha FZ-16 and Fazer 153 are bringing the company back from near extinction. Both motorcycles are manufactured by India Yamaha Motor, and after several years hibernating, the Japanese giant has once again made a motorcycle that captures the heart of the Indian enthusiast, as they have become the country's best all-round 150cc bikes.

The international version of the Yamaha Fazer is now the third variant in India, and it's built on the same platform as the FZ16. The FZ16 in turn was inspired by its popular counterpart the FZ1, with a scaled down engine better suited to for Indian roads. The baby FZ and Fazer have reignited a much need flurry of sales activity for Yamaha, proving once more that bigger isn't necessarily better.

Restriction Chart for YA-1611 Air Filter

Both motorcycles have the same engine, but the overall performance is delivered slightly different, which changes the way the bikes handle as well. The costs of the bikes vary a bit too. The Fazer goes in the touring section and the FZ leans more towards the racing section. It's a brilliant approach that opens friendly debate and has made the FZ and the Fazer two of the best mid-segment bikes in the overall Indian transportation sector.

The Yamaha models listed below use a 153cc, air-cooled four-stroke that puts out roughly 14 hp at 7500, and now both bikes can increase performance simply by replacing their stock air filters with K&N's YA-1611 reusable air filter. The YA-1611 high-performance air filter is a direct replacement for the stock factory installed filter, making the installation procedure identical. Adding performance is easy with K&N YA-1611. It's designed to increase horsepower and torque, without having to make any special modifications to the bike.

Moreover, this will be the last motorcycle air filter you'll ever buy for your FZ or Fazer, being that it's backed with K&N's Million Mile Limited Warranty. Plus, you won't even need to think about cleaning your YA-1611 air filter for up to 50,000 trouble-free miles, depending on driving conditions. K&N air filters provide outstanding air filtration, and when it does become time to clean the filter, you simply wash and re-oil it using one of K&N's Recharger Kits.

K&N YA-1611 fits the following:

2011 Yamaha FZ16 153
2011 Yamaha FZ150 Fazer 153
2010 Yamaha FZ16 153
2010 Yamaha FZ150 Fazer 153
2009 Yamaha FZ16 153
2009 Yamaha FZ150 Fazer 153
2008 Yamaha FZ16 153

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Michael Lewis Stays with PREMA Powerteam to Compete In F3 Euro Series Championship

25 mai 2012

The K&N sponsored driver is excited to carry his highly success 2011 momentum into the 2012 F3 Euro Series.

In 2011 we figuratively rode along with Michael Lewis as he campaigned in his inaugural year in the ACI Sport Formula 3 Italia Championship. The 21-year-old Laguna Beach, California native's debut on the F3 Italia stage was hugely successful, as he won three races and clinched the Series' Rookie Championship. Lewis also nearly won the overall Series Championship, coming up just shy in the final lap, in the closing round of the 2011 Italian F3 Championship at Monza.

Based on his stellar 2011 season the K&N sponsored driver and the PREMA Powerteam have agreed to another year together. Lewis returns to the Prema Powerteam to contest in the highly competitive 2012 Formula 3 Euro Series championship. Lewis will also compete in all the 2012 FIA Formula 3 International Trophy events, and this season Lewis is driving a Mercedes Benz-powered Dallara.

"It is great to be back with PREMA Powerteam for another season in Formula 3," said Lewis. "With the hard work from Angelo Rosin and René Rosin at PREMA, and Mercedes-Benz, our engine manufacturer partner, I am excited to race in the prestigious Euroseries F3 championship. 2011 was an exceptionally good year in my first season of Formula 3, and I look to continue that progression with such strong entities as PREMA and Mercedes-Benz."

Lewis proudly wears the Mercedes-Benz logo on his helmet and driver's suit as he was selected to join the HWA Mercedes-Benz drivers' group for 2012. (Photo by Thomas Suer 2012)

"Having Michael Lewis back with us was a priority after his excellent 2011 season in the Italian F3 Championship," said Angelo Rosin. "His move to the F3 Euro Series is a logical progression for him as well as for us. Michael is the kind of racer who can adapt to new situations pretty easily and I'm sure he won't have any problems in being at the top of the European level, too."

Lewis kicked off his Formula 3 Euro Series campaign earning a solid 9th and 10th place finishes in Rounds 1 and 2 the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg circuit in Hockenheim, Germany. In Round 3 at the 4.574-km German race track, Lewis was eager to deliver an even stronger finish for the PREMA Powerteam in his Mercedes-powered Dallara F312. However, on lap 5 Lewis initiated an overtaking maneuver on the outside of a right-hand corner and slid up into the marbles and then flew off into the sand pit, ending his hopes for a strong finish in Race 3.

Lewis collects his thoughts before Round 3 F3 Euro Series at Hockenhein.

"I had a really good car and I was confident that I could get the results the PREMA Powerteam expected today," said Lewis. "I wanted to get up to the front and challenge for a podium finish. Unfortunately, I misjudged my line into the corner, which resulted in my drifting off into the sand trap ending my day at Hockenheim." As a result of his 18th-place finish, Lewis currently stands in 11th position in the 2012 Formula 3 Euro Series points standings.

After the Round 3 race Lewis returned to his European home base of Baveno, Italy, and began preparing for the FIA Formula 3 European Championship event at the Grand Prix de Pau in Pau, France, contested last weekend May 11–13. As a result of Lewis' qualifying on Friday, the second best qualifying lap by each driver set the starting grid, placing Lewis in 14th for the start of Race 2. Understanding the difficulty of passing at Pau, Lewis knew the importance of getting a strong start and to try to pass as many cars as possible at the start and then keep pace with the lead pack.

Michael Lewis (center) confirms his 2012 race season plans as he shakes hands with PREMA Powerteam Team Principal Angelo Rosin, as teammate René Rosin stands alongside.

When the lights went out on the starting grid, Lewis and his PREMA Powerteam Mercedes-powered Dallara F-312 vaulted from the 14th position on the grid into 11th place in just one-half lap. For the entire 40 minutes of the race and for all 31 laps Lewis remained right on the tail of PREMA Powerteam teammate Sven Muller's car. In fact, positions 6 through 11 were pretty much in a train, with each of the drivers trying to figure out a way to pass on the narrow street course.

"I needed to have a good start because once everyone gets in a groove it is very hard to negotiate an overtaking maneuver and there is high risk here with every pass," explained Lewis. "My objective was to take it easy on my tires early on so I would be able to save them for the later stages of the race. However, all of us were going about the same speed and I knew that Sven had a good car, too, so I just wanted to be safe and get as many points as possible without the risk of making a mistake."

On lap 7 Lewis posted the second fastest lap of the race at 1:11.967, illustrating just how strong all the PREMA Powerteam cars were for this event. Lewis' teammate Raffaele Marciello won the race, leading every lap, while another PREMA teammate Danni Juncadella finished 4th, and Sven Muller finished 10th.

Next Lewis will travel to another FIA camp in Vienna, Austria, before heading to England on Thursday for Round 2 of the Formula 3 Euro Series race at the Brands Hatch Circuit. This will be a combination event featuring both DTM and Formula 3 Euro Series cars.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports Eagerly Gets 2012 Underway at LOORRS Race

25 mai 2012

Patrick Clark joined team Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports in 2012 and is anticipating a successful season.

Team Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports recently embarked upon the first two rounds of the LOORRS series at the Firebird International Raceway, located in Chandler, Arizona. Experiencing a few changes during the off-season, the crew hit the track with confidence that good things were to come in 2012.

Racing in the opening rounds of the series, Jerry Daugherty and his E3Spark Plugs Pro 4 #23 truck were eager to get the show underway. After qualifying eleventh for the opening round of racing, the driver was determined to push through the field and earn a good finishing position on Saturday. When the race was over, Daugherty was happy with the results as he had worked his way to the seventh position at the waving of the checkered flag.

Once again qualifying eleventh on the following day, the driver had no intentions of simply following the field of drivers ahead of him. In fact, at the race's end, he had managed to muscle his way to a sixth place finish. As the Pro 2 class rolled onto the track, team Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports eagerly awaited the waving of the green flag. Their new team member, Patrick Clark, was gearing up to make his Pro 2 rookie debut against a field of tough drivers. After experiencing carburetor problems, the Clark managed to position the Pro 2 #52 in the tenth spot for the opening round. After an entertaining and fierce battle, the newest member of the team took a seventh place finish.

Patrick Clark earned a Fast Lap award during his Pro 4 rookie debut with the Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports team.

When round two rolled around, Clark was determined to experience a better start than he had during round one. That said, the driver qualified in the sixth position, and after the first place qualifier, Rob MacCachren pulled a six from the hat, the field was inverted six positions. The inversion put Clark exactly where he wanted to be. He was on the pole and after a hard fought race, the driver crossed the finish line in seventh place. Although he would have preferred a spot on the podium, Clark did manage to set the fastest lap of the race.

"The Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports team has a high level of confidence going into the 2012 season," explained Jerry Daugherty. "We have made many changes and added improvements to all aspects of our organization. The most exciting change that has been made to our organization is the addition of Patrick Clark, and the Pro 2 #52 program to our team. Patrick is a great driver with great things ahead of him. The inclusion of Patrick and the Pro2 #52 brings a complete package to our Pro Program, as well as an excitement toward new success."

When asked the key to success throughout the 2012 season, Daugherty continued, "I have felt that my Pro 4 program has been gathering steam this season," shared Daugherty. "We are doing what we can to get seat time and to gain speed. I feel that we have the ability to improve during each round of racing," he continued. "In our opinion, the keys to success for the 2012 season have been to enlist a great team, maintain a high level of expectation with respect to equipment, implement driver training, and to stay out of trouble. We will follow this mentality throughout the season, and hope for a great outcome."

Referring to his truck's performance thus far, Jerry Daugherty said, "I have a great truck and a great crew. Collectively, with my foot on the gas, we have the ability to win races. Our goal in 2012 is to have each of our entries on the podium at least once."

Racing in the Pro 2 class, Jerry Daugherty is excited about what might transpire in 2012.

"I believe that Patrick is a great addition to our team," he continued. "He is young, energetic, and brings many qualities to the organization. He has not only worked hard at his Pro 2 program, but has also become an intricate part of the team. He has assisted me in my program; stepped into spotting for me, and collaborates with both me and Aaron in order to gain position on the track in all classes. It is our goal to bring my years of experience together with his young and energetic perspective in an effort to progress all programs."

Along with Patrick Clark, a new V-8 Pro Lite driven by Aaron Daugherty has been added to the Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports team. According to Jerry Daugherty, "The Jesse Lewis built truck is proving to be a great piece of equipment, and one that is extremely competitive."

Although the Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports team has experienced its share of change between 2011 and 2012, they are still firm believers in the performance of K&N products. In fact, the team uses K&N oil and air filters, filter wraps, air filter cleaner, and spray oil, and has been depending upon their products since the 1980's.

"K&N products have never failed in all of my years if use," explained Daugherty. "The air filters keep the dirt out, and the engine free of debris without restricting air flow. This is extremely important when you're trying to maintain engine performance on the track."

In closing, Jerry Daugherty said, "I feel that the Live Fast Play Dirty Motorsports team will consistently move toward the front of the pack in short course. We have implemented a strategic goal plan that we as a team will continue to work toward. Most importantly, we are working on gaining speed and improving position. As always, the fans can expect great effort and an appreciation for the greatest fans on racing."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.